- Next Event: November 20, 2024
Respirable Crystalline Silica in Mining - Presentation / Tour
Location: NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Center, 626 Cochran Mill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Respirable Crystalline Silica in Mining - Presentation / Tour
Location: NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Center, 626 Cochran Mill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Overview:On November 20th, please join AIHA as we visit one of the early sites of US mine safety research to learn about the rich legacy of mining research in (and under) our own backyards. Established in 1910 within the Department of the Interior as a part of the US Bureau of Mines, today, the NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division performs extensive mining health and safety research, with contributions to mining and beyond. During this upcoming meeting, NIOSH speakers will lead a guided tour of the historic Experimental Mine, provide an overview of the 2024 MSHA Silica Final Rule, discuss NIOSH Mining research to improve the measurement and control of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust in mining, and demonstrate current NIOSH Mining RCS research.
Abstract: For many years the NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division has conducted research on monitoring and controlling workers’ exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica in the mining environment. Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) are associated with the development of silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and airways diseases. These exposures can also result in autoimmune disorders, chronic renal disease, and other adverse health effects. In 1974, NIOSH published “Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica” recommending that RCS exposures be limited to 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) time-weighted average (TWA) regardless of industry or occupational setting. The MSHA Silica Final Rule (issued on April 18, 2024, as “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection”) establishes a mining industry-wide RCS permissible exposure limit of 50 μg/m3 (TWA) and an action level of 25 μg/m3 (TWA). The 2024 Rule also requires periodic exposure monitoring through sampling and objective workplace evaluations, immediate corrective actions if overlimit exposures occur, and new medical surveillance at metal/non-metal (MNM) mines. These requirements went into effect on June 17, 2024, and coal mines and MNM mines have 12 and 24 months, respectively, from the issuance date to comply. Additional links: 1996 C-SPAN video on the Pittsburgh Research Center and Experimental Mine (4 minutes) CDC - Mining - History of the Mining Program - NIOSH 2024 MSHA Silica Final Rule Speakers:LCDR Timothy Beck, MPH is the Team Leader of the Respirable Hazards Team within NIOSH’s Health Hazards Prevention Branch in Pittsburgh. Tim has degrees in Mining Engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla and Environmental and Occupational Health from University of Pittsburgh-School of Public Health. He has conducted dust control and ventilation research with NIOSH for over 20 years, primarily developing and testing controls for underground coal mining operations. He has been instrumental in the development of dust controls for roof drilling and bolting, such as bit collars, mist drilling systems, and bolter dust collection bags. His recent work to control explosive float coal dust has developed sampling and analytical techniques, documented float dust sources and deposition zones in underground coal mines, and demonstrated a control system for conveyor belt transfer points. He serves as an Engineer Officer with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and deployed numerous times in support of CDC’s COVID-19 response during 2020 and 2021.
Jacob Carr, Ph.D. is the Deputy Branch Chief for NIOSH’s Health Hazards Prevention Branch and has been with NIOSH since 2009. Prior to joining NIOSH, he completed his BS and MS degrees in Mining Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. He completed his PhD in 2019 in Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State. Jacob has served as the Team Leader for the Machine Safety Team and for the Mining Technologies Team. In addition, Jacob serves as the Coordinator for the NIOSH Center for Occupational Robotics Research. Since joining NIOSH, Dr. Carr has conducted research in several areas, including underground mine illumination, underground communications and tracking, proximity detection, lockout/tagout, refuge alternatives, electromagnetic interference, collision avoidance systems, and digital contact tracing tools for preventing the spread of pandemic diseases. Findings from Jacob’s research have helped to inform safety and health regulations and the design of new safety and health interventions.
Emanuele Cauda, Ph.D. is the team leader of the Mineral Assessment & Monitoring Team within NIOSH’s Health Hazards Prevention Branch in Pittsburgh. Dr. Cauda completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Politecnico of Torino (Italy) in 2005 and joined NIOSH in 2007. Dr. Cauda’s research focuses on monitoring characterization, and control of aerosols present in occupational environments and specifically dust, silica, and diesel particulate matter. Dr. Cauda is also the Director of the NIOSH Center for Direct Reading and Sensor Technologies (NCDRST). With the Center he coordinates several activities such as the initiative “Right Sensors Used Right.” Dr. Cauda is interested in several aspects related to direct reading methodologies and sensors including human-technology interaction, data processing and modeling, and ethical considerations.
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Event Details / Registration:Must be a US Citizen - Space Limited to 30 - Register by Nov. 15, 2024:
Once you submit your registration using the button above, you will be redirected to the PAYMENT PAGE to process payment via PayPal/Credit Card.
Special requirements/restrictions: Due to security constraints, this meeting is open to only US citizens. The total number of meeting participants is limited to 30. The event begins at 8:00 am, arriving at the Security Office/gate to enter the Pittsburgh Research Center. Visitors must park in the parking lot and be processed by Security. Vehicles will be searched and a Visitor/Temporary NIOSH Parking Permit and a Temporary Identification Badge will be issued. Visitors are to return Visitor/Temporary NIOSH Parking Permits and Temporary Identification Badges to Security before exiting the site. As a reminder, firearms or other dangerous weapons and contraband (i.e. switchblade or serrated knives of any type, knives with blades greater than 2.5 inches, incendiary devices, alcohol beverages, and etc.) are strictly prohibited in federal facilities. Rules and Regulations Governing Conduct on Federal Property and FAQ Regarding Items Prohibited from Federal Property As this meeting includes an underground mine tour, long pants and closed toe footwear are required. Other PPE (hardhats, cap lamps, safety glasses) will be provided, as needed.
If you have any questions regarding registration or payment, contact Christy Kirsch at [email protected].
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